Air conditioning apparatus



' May '12, 1942. w: A. MINKLER ETAL 2,282,373

' I AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS I Filed D60. 1, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet l FRN SECTION 1 INVENTORS WILLIAM A.MJNKLER,

LEROY, G. Huacama.

v WlTNESSESi 5 BY W I ATTORN "l May 12, 1942. w. A. MINKLER ETAL AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 1, 1958 INVENTORS WILLIAM A. MINKLER Lzzov G. Huaems.

H/ERT'ING WITNESSES:

ATTOR Y May 12, 1942.

w. A. MINKLER El AL AIR CONDITIdNING APPARATUS l, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet .3

Filed Dec Pic-1.6.4

IINVENTORS Wu..'| mM A'.M|NKLIR, LEROY G. Huaqms,

ATTORNE/ iatented May 12, 1942 UNITED STATES AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS William A. Mlnkler, Philadelphia, Pa., and Leroy MG. Huggins, Springfield, Mass assignors, to Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, East Pittsburgh, Pa.,- a corporation of Pennsylvania Application December 1, 1938, Serial No. 243,484

8 Claims.

Our invention relates to air conditioning apparatus, more particularly to a casing structure therefor, and it has for an object to provide improved apparatus.

A further object of our invention is to provide a casing construction, the component parts; of which may be readily manufactured without ex-' pensive tools and dies, thereby providing low cost of manufacture, both forlow and high rates of production.

Another object is to provide a casing structure that is adaptable for various arrangements of air flow.

A further object is to provide air conditioning apparatus comprising standardized parts that may be used for different arrangements of air conditioning apparatus.

Another object is to provide a casing construction that is suitable for holding panels of heat insulating material. 20

These and other objects are effected by my invention as will be apparent from the following description and claims taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, in which: 25

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of our invention, which is referred to as the horizontal unit;

Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof, with parts in 1 section;

Fig. 3 is a vertical section taken along the line ,III-III 01' Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical section taken along the line IV-IV of Fig. 3; A

Fig.5 is a perspective view; K

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of a second embodiment in which the air flows horizontally and then upwardly, and which is referred to as the vertical unit; and, 1

Figs. 7 to 11 show alternative arrangements of the fan'section of the vertical unit shown in Fig. 6; the fan arrangements of 6 to 9 being also applicable to the horizontal unit shown in Figs. 1 to 5.'-

1 to 5, includes a filter section I I, a coil section l2 and a fan section it. The several sections adaptedtobesuspendedfromtheceilingin Referring to the drawings in detail, the first 45 embodiment, or' horizontal unit, shown in Figs.

which case there may be provided the suspension bolts l6 extending through and connected to the ends of the beams l5. The provision of these beams serves the purpose of a frame, thereby enabling the several sections to be made of rela-,

tively light sheet metal.

The several sections forming the casing comprise sheet metal panels bolted together, each =Danel being formed with a right angle flange at each edge. Where the connecting panels extend 'at right angles to each other, such as the connection between a horizontal wall and a vertical wall, the flange of one panel' is bolted to the marginal portion of the adjacent panel, as shown at I! in Fig. 4. The flange of the latter panel serves as re-enforcement and. also to retain insulating material. When connecting panels lying in the same plane, as when bolting the sections together, the adjacent right angle flanges are bolted togetheras shown at i8 in Flgs..2 and 3.

The filter section II contains removable filters l9, which are disposed transversely of the air' stream, for example, as shown in Fig. 3; The coil section 12 houses a' cooling coil 2 l' and a heat ing coil 22. The present invention comprises a novel mounting for these coils. The cooling coil 2| is mounted on a plate 23, whose marginal portions are disposed between and are clamped between the adjacent connecting flanges of the filter section II and the coil section IL The plate 23 is formed with an opening 24 registering, with the cooling coil 2| to provide for flow of air from the filter section to the coil section over the surfaces of the cooling coil. The coil 2| is mounted on the plate 23 in any suitable manner; for example, the fllustrated coil has achannel frame 25,

..one flange of which is bolted to the plate 23. as

indicated at 26.

The heating coil 22 is mounted on "a mounting plate 21, whose marginal portions are disposed between and are clamped between the adjacent connecting flanges of the coil section I! and the fan section IS. The coil 22 is mounted on the plate 21 by means of brackets 28 bolted to the plate 21. The plate 21 is formed with an opening 29 in registry with the heating coil.

-Itistoben0ted thatanydesiredsize of either cooling or heating coil, within the dimensions of the coil section, may be used, the mounting plate therefor being formed with an opening registering with the cooling or heating surface of the coil, When the coil is or smaller dimensions than the flow area of the coil section, the mounting plate may be utilized to shutofl or to permit any desired flow of air around the coil, as will be apparent.

' Any suitable type of humidifying equipment, as indicated at 3|, is preferably provided.

As shown in Fig. 3, the coil section I2 is without a bottom panel, so that the moisture condensed bythe cooling coil 2| and the unevaporated spray water from. the humidifier 3| are 001- lected by' the drain pan l4, which is provided with 1 a drain connection 20.

The fan section B houses two centrifugal fans 32. The rotors of these fans are mounted on a common shaft 33 which is mounted in two bearings 34 bolted to the opposite end walls 35 f the fan section. Each of the bearings 34 has an oil cup 36 at the top and is secured to the associated end wall 35 by four bolts 31 extending through I registering bolt openings in the bearing and the end wall. The bolt openings are disposed equidistantly from and equi-angularly about the axis of the shaft so that the bearing may be rotated to bring its oil cup at the top and bolted to the end wall in any one of the different positions of the fan section, ,The casings of the fans 32' are mounted on the side wall 38, the latter being formed with openings through which the outlets of the fans extend.

A bracket 39, for supporting a motor (not shown) to drive the fan shaft 33, may be mounted in-any suitable position; for example, it may be bolted to the opposite flanges of the coil section l2, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The fan shaft may be driven through a'bolt and pulleys as commonly done in the art.

Another feature of the present invention is the wall 35 is provided with a right angle flange at each of its four sides. Qne of these flanges, designated 50,15 bolted to the adjacent end of the side wall 38, as shown in Fig. 2, and the other three flanges, each designated are formed so that any one may be bolted to the adiacent flange the adjacent flange 4| of the wall 38 or to flange 42 of the other panel.

In shipping the casing structure to the point of the use, the fan section is preferably shipped as a.-

unit separate from the other sections, and with the panels A and B bolted to the end walls in the position shown in Fig. l and also in Fig. 6. Accordingly, if the position of the fans shown in Fig. 1 is desired, the fan section is merely placed in position and bolted to the coil section.

If it is desired to install the fan section [3 of Figs. 1 to 5 with the fan in the same position as shown in Fig. 8, that is, to discharge air horizontally and with the outlet located-nearer the bottom, the fan section I3 is merely turned up--- side downfrom the position shown in Fig. 1.

This is preferably effected by rotating the fan section 180 as seen in the drawings and turn- ;ing the section end for end.

To install the fan section l3 of Figs. 1 to 5 with the fans in the same position as shown in Fig. '7, in which the air is discharged upwardly and the outlet is disposed slightly to the left, the panel A is removed and bolted to the end walls on the side opposite the fan outlets, the marginal portions '43 being connected to the flange 42. of the panel B. The fan section is rotated 90 in counterclockwise direction, as seen in Figs. 1 and 3, and then bolted tothe coil section. Inthis case, one flange 4| of the wall 38 is bolted to the flange 54 of the top of the coil section, while the flange 42 of the paneLA is bolted to the mounting plate 21 adjacent the lower edge.

To install the fan section l3 of Figs, 1 to 5 with the fans in the same position'as shown in Fig. 6, the panel B is removed and connected to the side opposite the fan outlets, the marginal portion 43 being connected'to the flange 42 of 52 of the vertical wall of the coil section l2. The

side wall 38 is of the same width, or heighth, when positioned vertically, as the end walls 35 and has flanges 4| on the ed es extending between the end walls, which flanges are in alignment with those two flanges 5| of the end. walls which are along the top and the bottom in Fig. 1. The fan section further comprises two panels A and B which are disposed at the top and the bottom, respectively, when the fan section is in the position shown in Fig. 1. The panels A and B'have marginal portions 53 attheir ends overlying the upper and lower flanges 5| of the end walls 33 and bolted thereto as shown at I! in Fig; 4. At oneedge extending between the end walls, each of the panels A and B has a right angle connecting, flange 42 which is adapted to be connected, for example, to the adjacent connecting flange 154 along the top of the coil section |2., Atthe opposite edge, each of the panels A and ;B is extended .to provide a marginal portion 43-whichis adapted to be bolted either to the panel A. The fan section is rotated in counterclockwise direction and turned end for end. It is then bolted to the coil section.

In each case, the bearings 34 are rotated to 7 bring the oil cup 36 at the top (except where the oil cup is already at the top).

, The bolt openings in the flanges of the end Walls 35, and in the flanges and the marginalv portions to which the same are connected, are all identically and symmetrically spaced, to provide 'for the interchangeable connections. Also, all of the bolt openings in the flange 4| and 42, the' marginal portions 43, the connecting flanges of the coil section and the plate 2'! are all identically and symmetrically spaced for the'same rea- I son.

FIGS. 1 TO 5.,- Operation The horizontal unit operates in the usual manmi of apparatus of this type. The air to be conditioned enters the ,filter section and flows hori- I zontally through the filters l9.

It then passes through the opening 24 in the mounting plate 23. over the surfaces of the cooling coil 2|, through the interior of the coil section I2, in contact with the humidifier sprays (when turned on), over the surfaces of the heating coil 22, through the opening 29 in the mounting plate 21 into the fan section l3, and ,is then discharged by the fans 32' to the air supply ductswhich are preferably con nected to the fan outlets. The air entering the filter section may be taken either directly from the surrounding atmosphere-or may be conveyed thereto -through suitable ducts which may be bolted to theinlet side of the filter section II The bottom wall df the filter section is provided with an upturning flange 44 to which the lower ed e of such supply duct maybe bolted.

90 in clockwise direction.

The operation of the cooling and heating coils and or the humidifying equipment may be controlled in any suitable manner known in the art, which control is not a part or the present invention.

Pros. 6 TO 11 Referring to Figs. 6 to 11, there isshown a Second embodiment of our invention, usually referred to as the vertical unit, inasmuch as air flows, for the most part, up'wardly through the unit. However, the air flows horizontally when entering the unit. As shown in Fig. 6, the casing is of L-shape, the fan section |3 being disposed above the coil section |2a. It includes a drain pan |4a,-which is similar to the drain pan |4 except that it is smaller and which is .supported on a suitable firm foundation. The vertical unit includes a filter section II which is identical with the filter section of the first embodiment. The fan section I3 is also identical with the fan section of the horizontal unit, and includes panels A and B. The coil section l2a, however, is somewhat modified. .In this case, the cooling coil is mountedvertically adjacent the filter section II by means of the mounting plate 23, the marginal portions of which are bolted between the adjacent flanges of the filter and coil sections. The heating coil 22, however, is mounted horizontally at the top of the coil section l2a, the

mounting plate 21 therefor being bolted between the coil and fan sections. Humidifier sprays may be suitably disposed within the coil section |2a to contact with the air while flowing between the coils, 2| and 22. The fan section l3 extends across only a portion of the coil section |2a, the

. remaining portion of the topof the coil section being closed by a panel. A bracket 48 for supporting a fan drive motor (not shown) is mounted on top of the'filterand coil sections as shown in Fig. 6.

Figs. 6 to11 show how the fan section may be assembled for different positions of the fans 32. Asin the first case, the fan section is preferably shipped separately from the other sections, the panels A and B being bolted to the end walls in the position shown in Fig. 6. To place the fans 32 in the position shown in Fig. 6,

, '3 In this embodiment, the bearings "are likewise rotated to bring the oil cup 36 at the top, if they are not already in such position.

FIGS. 6 ro 11.Operation In the operation of the vertical unit, the air enters the unit through the filter section I I, nowing horizontally through the filter section and the cooling coil 2|. As it flows through the central portion of the coil section l2a, it'is turned from horizontal flow to upward flow, and then flows upwardly through the heating coil 22 into the fan section l3. charged in a direction determined by the position of the fans 32.

When the humidifier sprays are turned on, the air'is humidified as it is .fiowing between the cooling coil 2| and the heating coil 22. The unevaporated spray water is collected by the drain pan Ma, and the heating coil 22 serves the function of eliminator plates.

the fan section is merely placed on top of the coil section and bolted thereto without removing either of the panels A and B. -Similarly for the position shown in Fig. 7, except that the fan section is turned end-for end.

For the position shown in Fig. 8, the fan section is rotated 90 in clockwise direction from the position shown in and bolted on the side opposite the'fan outlets, the marginal portion 43 of the panel A being bolted to the flange 42 of the panel'B. The flange 42 of the panel A is bolted to the coil section |2a. For the position shown in Fig. 9, the fan section is turned end for end and then rotated The panel B is removed and connected to the side opposite the fan outlets, the marginal portion 43 being bolted to the flange '42 of the panel A. 4

Fig. 6. The panel A is removed For the position shown in Fig. 10, the fan section is rotated 90 in counterclockwise-direction from the position shown in Fig. 6. The panel B The vertical unit of this embodiment has several advantages over vertical units as heretofore constructed. By utilizing the coil section |2a for turning the air from horizontal fiow to vertical flow, the need for a separate section for turning the air is eliminated, thereby reducing the height of the unit and consequently the cost thereof. By arranging one. coil vertically and the other horizontally, sufiicient flow area adjacent each coil is provided; that is, there is ample space for horizontal flow of the air between the lower side of the heating coil 22 and the bottom of the coil section, and ample space for vertical flow *of the air into the heating coil between the cooling coil 2| and the opposite side of the coil section. Another advantage of the arrangement shown is that the moisture condensed from the air by the cooling coil 2| is drained directly to the drain pan 4a and does not flow through the incoming air, as it does where the air flows upwardly through the cooling coil.

The casing structure of the present invention may, if desired, be heat insulated. For this purpose, the recesses formed by the right angle flanges of the several panels are ideally suited for receiving panels of suitable insulating material.

It is'to be understood that any suitable expedients or features, commonly used in the art and applicable to the may be employed. For example, the filter and coil sections are preferably provided with access doors 45 and 46 of any suitable type known in the art. e

We desire ,to point out that some of the features of our invention described above are not limited to apparatus in whichair is conditioned but are applicable to other casing structures adapted for flow of air therethrough. For example, the construction of the fan section whereby the fan outlets may be-disposed in any one of several different positions may be used in the casing of an air cooled or evaporative condenser.

I While we have shown our invention in several forms, it will be obvious to those skilled'in the 7 From the latter itis dis-' structure described herein,

of first and second casing sides for closing the side not connected to said first section.

'2. A casing section comprising opposed end walls of square form, a third wall extending between and connected to said opposed walls on one side of the section and having right,angle connecting flanges on the edges extending between said opposed walls, and two side panels for any two of the remaining threesides, each of said side panels being adapted to be connected to said opposed walls on any one of said three remaining sides, and having a right angle flange on one of the edges extending between the opposed walls and at the opposite edge a connecting portion extending parallel to the side panel and adapted to be connected to a right angle flange of'said third wall 'or of the other panel.

3. In a casing structure, the combination of first and second casing sections adapted to be detachably connected together for flow of air from one to the other of said sections, the first section having connecting portions parallel to the plane of division between the sections, the second section comprising first and second opposed square walls and third and fourth walls extending between and connected to the opposed walls on two adjacent sides of the second section, the third and fourth walls having right)" angle connecting flanges along the diagonally opposite or remote edges which extend between the opposed walls, the opposed walls having, adjacent the two other sides of the second section, right angle flanges adapted to be connected to said connecting portions of the first section, whereby the second section may be connected to the first section on either of said two other sides,

and a panel having portions adapted to be con-' adapted to be connected-to said connecting portions of the first section, whereby the second section may be connected to the first section on any one of said three other sides, and two panels each having portions adapted to be connected to the flanges of the opposed walls on any one of said three other sides for closing the sides not connected to the first section, each panel having a right angle flange at one edge adapted tobe connected to the adjacent connecting portion of the first section and a connecting portion at the I opposite edge adapted to be connected to a right angle flange of the third wall or of the other 5. The combination of a first casing section; a second or fan section, said second or fan section including end walls square in form, a first side wall extending between and connected to said end walls on one side of said fan section, a

centrifugal fan in said fan section having a shaft I extending between said end walls and having its of said fan section, and two side panels adapted to be connected to'thetwo remaining sides of the fan section.

6. The combination set forth in claim 5 wherein the fan section may be'turned end for end section and having its outlet connected to said outlet opening, means for connecting any-one of the three remaining sides of said second sec- 4. In a casing structure, the combination of first and second casing sections adapted to be detachably connected together for flow of air from one to the other of said sections,'the first tion to said first section, and side panels for 'closing any two of said three sides, whereby the fan outlet opening may be disposed in any one of three positions.

8. The structure defined in claim 7, wherein said means. permits said second section to be turned end for end and connected to said first section on any one of said three sides.

WILLIAM A. MINKLER. LEROY G. HUGGINS. 

